Before his tragic death at the age of 25, Randy Rhoads was on a fast track to being hailed by critics and public alike as the greatest rock guitar player of all time. Over a short two-year period, Randy recorded two seminal multi-platinum albums with Ozzy Osbourne, which are heralded today as among the most noteworthy recordings in hard rock music history. Through his jaw-dropping six-string work on songs such as "Crazy Train", "Mr. Crowley" and "Flying High Again", Randy Rhoads achieved legendary status as a guitar icon and his artistic legacy continues to grow with each passing year.
A brilliant guitar virtuoso, Randy's masterful ability of bridging rock and classical techniques helped him forge a groundbreaking style of guitar playing. In 1981, Guitar Player magazine honored Randy by selecting him as best new talent of the year. Humble and self-effacing, Randy refused to rest on his laurels. Instead, being bestowed with this prestigious award motivated him to strive for greater creative heights. Tragically, Randy's life ended much too soon when on the morning of March 19, 1982 he was killed in a small private plane that careened into the garage of a plantation home in Leesburg, Florida.
Randy Rhoads' ascendancy to super-stardom was inevitable. Tirelessly honing his craft, he was a devoted student of his instrument, endlessly practicing and perfecting his skills. His days were spent as a guitar teacher and by night he solidified his rising reputation as the "next big thing" on the Hollywood club scene. His big break arrived when he assumed the lead guitar slot in Ozzy Osbourne's solo band. Soon the entire music world would be dazzled by his spectacular flights of fiery fretboard sizzle, swiftly recognizing the merits of this burgeoning guitar genius.
With his dynamic six-string wizardry, Randy Rhoads invented an exciting and technically advanced style of explosive hard rock guitar playing that dominated the '80s music scene. Decades later, his massive influence continues to shape, educate and inspire first, second and third generation players and music fans that marvel at his extraordinary musicality and stunning instrumental prowess. Today, Randy's legendary status as a guitar hero is assured, joining the pantheon of rock's Mt. Olympus where he stands proudly alongside such revered guitar heroes as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Ritchie Blackmore.
No one-trick pony, Randy was well versed in a multitude of musical genres seamlessly cross-navigating rock, blues and classical. In fact, his immense love of classical music continued to be a driving force in his life. Until his untimely death, he continued to take classical guitar lessons in an effort to break new ground as a player.
Today, mythologized and immortalized, Randy Rhoads has become a veritable pop culture institution. Paying homage to his pioneering ability, Marshall Amplifiers created a custom amplifier that bears Randy's name and signature sound. Action figures and sculptures with Randy's likeness have become highly sought after collector's items, while Jackson Guitars have sold millions of Randy Rhoads model guitars, pleasing the late guitarist's loyal legion of dedicated followers. His image graces innumerable music magazine covers annually.
Finally, after years of anticipation, comes the release of "Randy Rhoads", a biography written by Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein, which vividly documents Randy's life and career. Teeming with hundreds of rare photographs and memorabilia, the book chronicles an oral history of Randy's remarkable life through those who knew him best. Packed with countless emotional and poignant stories about the guitar icon, the book weaves a powerful tapestry of colorful memories about his life, which help provide deeper insight into Randy, the man, the myth, the legend. His life is a lasting testament to his supernatural talent and quiet humility.
"Randy Rhoads" is being published by the Velocity Publishing Group, with exclusive distribution through Guitar World.
A brilliant guitar virtuoso, Randy's masterful ability of bridging rock and classical techniques helped him forge a groundbreaking style of guitar playing. In 1981, Guitar Player magazine honored Randy by selecting him as best new talent of the year. Humble and self-effacing, Randy refused to rest on his laurels. Instead, being bestowed with this prestigious award motivated him to strive for greater creative heights. Tragically, Randy's life ended much too soon when on the morning of March 19, 1982 he was killed in a small private plane that careened into the garage of a plantation home in Leesburg, Florida.
Randy Rhoads' ascendancy to super-stardom was inevitable. Tirelessly honing his craft, he was a devoted student of his instrument, endlessly practicing and perfecting his skills. His days were spent as a guitar teacher and by night he solidified his rising reputation as the "next big thing" on the Hollywood club scene. His big break arrived when he assumed the lead guitar slot in Ozzy Osbourne's solo band. Soon the entire music world would be dazzled by his spectacular flights of fiery fretboard sizzle, swiftly recognizing the merits of this burgeoning guitar genius.
With his dynamic six-string wizardry, Randy Rhoads invented an exciting and technically advanced style of explosive hard rock guitar playing that dominated the '80s music scene. Decades later, his massive influence continues to shape, educate and inspire first, second and third generation players and music fans that marvel at his extraordinary musicality and stunning instrumental prowess. Today, Randy's legendary status as a guitar hero is assured, joining the pantheon of rock's Mt. Olympus where he stands proudly alongside such revered guitar heroes as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Ritchie Blackmore.
No one-trick pony, Randy was well versed in a multitude of musical genres seamlessly cross-navigating rock, blues and classical. In fact, his immense love of classical music continued to be a driving force in his life. Until his untimely death, he continued to take classical guitar lessons in an effort to break new ground as a player.
Today, mythologized and immortalized, Randy Rhoads has become a veritable pop culture institution. Paying homage to his pioneering ability, Marshall Amplifiers created a custom amplifier that bears Randy's name and signature sound. Action figures and sculptures with Randy's likeness have become highly sought after collector's items, while Jackson Guitars have sold millions of Randy Rhoads model guitars, pleasing the late guitarist's loyal legion of dedicated followers. His image graces innumerable music magazine covers annually.
Finally, after years of anticipation, comes the release of "Randy Rhoads", a biography written by Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein, which vividly documents Randy's life and career. Teeming with hundreds of rare photographs and memorabilia, the book chronicles an oral history of Randy's remarkable life through those who knew him best. Packed with countless emotional and poignant stories about the guitar icon, the book weaves a powerful tapestry of colorful memories about his life, which help provide deeper insight into Randy, the man, the myth, the legend. His life is a lasting testament to his supernatural talent and quiet humility.
"Randy Rhoads" is being published by the Velocity Publishing Group, with exclusive distribution through Guitar World.
"Randy Rhoads: The Quiet Riot Years", a new book from QUIET RIOT's personal photographer/lighting director Ron Sobol, will be available for pre-order starting around April 1 from GuitarWorld.com.
Rock photo books are a dime a dozen with a parade of shutterbugs presenting images of iconic performers caught in their prime. But photographer Ron Sobol is one of the rare few who captured that elusive lightning in a bottle magic. As a perennial fifth member of hard rock band QUIET RIOT since their inception, Sobol's involvement lasted beyond the success of their multi-platinum masterpiece, "Metal Health". Intuitively aware of capturing the band's striking visual appeal, on and off stage, Ron quickly became a part of the group's trusted inner circle. Ron was not only QUIET RIOT's personal photographer, lighting director, and co-writer, he was also their dearest friend.
There's no such thing as an overnight success. To achieve musical respect and international stardom, aspiring rockers must be tireless in their quest, endlessly perfecting their craft as musicians, songwriters and performers. Even then, there's no guarantee of grabbing the brass ring and succeeding in the music business. Still a truism today, making it in the music business is a "one-in-a-million" crapshoot. It's a chosen few, inspired by a passionate love of rock and roll music and driven by an unyielding passion to strike a chord in the hearts of music fans, who stay in the game. Los Angeles-based rockers QUIET RIOT had hard rock music coursing through their veins. After seven long years of banging their heads on the local club circuit, recording two albums released only in Japan, and ultimately replacing three of its four original members, QUIET RIOT eventually achieved world domination.
In 1975, lead vocalist Kevin DuBrow and a young guitarist named Randy Rhoads served as the nucleus of the lineup, forged in a tight bond of friendship and aligned with a burning desire to make it. QUIET RIOT made their mark playing parties and small local venues before being transformed into the premier rock band on the Sunset Strip. By 1977, they were anointed reigning local rock icons, routinely selling out Hollywood's hottest clubs, The Starwood and The Whisky-A-Go-Go. Bound on a fast track to fame, the rising stars were foiled at every turn by the grinding corporate machinery of a mercurial record business.
Disco, punk and new wave were soaring, leaving passé hard rock purveyors in their wake. With record labels regularly passing on signing the band, the group's prospects grew dim. QUIET RIOT ditched their first manager and were on the brink of replacing their second, when they inked a deal for two albums with the Japanese division of CBS-Sony. Signed to the record label on the saleable visual merits of a promotional live photograph, shot by Ron Sobol, the band's two albums, "Quiet Riot" and "Quiet Riot II", met with moderate success in Japan. Back in their homeland, prospects for a breakthrough were even bleaker.
At the apex of their frustration, the band staged a coup. Along with a group of their most loyal fans, QUIET RIOT raced through the streets of Los Angeles on a flatbed truck, picketing every record company. Unfortunately, this proactive measure elicited minimal media coverage, prompting one key member of the band to declare it was time for a radical change.
In October 1979, Randy Rhoads was given the break of a lifetime. Packing his trusty Gibson Les Paul, he moved to England to form a new band with former BLACK SABBATH vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Randy's new band, BLIZZARD OF OZZ, went on to achieve massive worldwide success leaving behind his old friend Kevin DuBrow and their beloved QUIET RIOT. Kevin made several half-hearted attempts at replacing Randy and even temporarily changed the name of the band to DUBROW. Fronting this new incarnation, DuBrow stubbornly continued to follow his dream of rock stardom.
Finally, in 1982 Kevin DuBrow's luck changed when he signed a deal with Pasha Records, and resurrected the name QUIET RIOT. "Metal Health", the group's American debut, was released on March 11, 1983. This album signaled the first warning shot; a new brigade of brash heavy metal warriors were born. An explosive cover of SLADE's '70s classic "Cum on Feel the Noize" became a hit, rocketing to #5 on the Billboard chart. The fist-pumping title track served as the defining metal anthem of the fledgling '80s generation. Also included on the album was "Slick Black Cadillac", which held honors as the most requested song from their early club days. A somber ballad, "Thunderbird", featured a dedication to original guitarist Randy Rhoads who tragically perished in a plane crash on March 19, 1982.
With "Metal Health" going on to rack up more than six million copies in sales, QUIET RIOT had finally arrived. QUIET RIOT became the first heavy metal band to land a number one album on the Billboard chart. By this time, Kevin DuBrow's larger-than-life personality landed him on the covers of rock magazines worldwide, earning notoriety for his outlandish and bratty behavior. Naturally verbose and outspoken, DuBrow's "shoot-from-the-hip" attitude eventually soured relations with the press and drove a wedge among his bandmates who fired him from QUIET RIOT in February 1987. Half-heartedly assembling a few solo projects, DuBrow repaired his relationship with the band and was reinstated among the ranks of QUIET RIOT in 1991.
Throughout the '90s and into the new millennium, QUIET RIOT continued to record albums and play small clubs and theaters, sadly, they never recaptured their early whirlwind success.
Tragedy struck the QUIET RIOT family on November 26, 2007 with the untimely death of Kevin DuBrow. Working in partnership with Ron Sobol, Kevin envisioned chronicling the colorful history of QUIET RIOT with either a film or book. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to fulfill his vision.
Until now…
Enhanced by a rich collection of Ron Sobol's evocative photographs, rare video footage and moving personal memories, coupled with a raft of Kevin DuBrow's original memorabilia, this is the captivating story of QUIET RIOT's near-impossible journey to superstardom, a story that first began on March 3, 1975 with legendary guitar icon Randy Rhoads in tow. Rocked by adversity at every turn, refusing to give up, resolute that it was their way or the highway, QUIET RIOT truly epitomize the word survivor, by eventually becoming one of the most popular bands in heavy metal history.
"Randy Rhoads: The Quiet Riot Years" is being published by Red Match Productions, with exclusive distribution through Guitar World. As a bonus, this book comes with a 90-minute DVD documentary of the QUIET RIOT years with Randy, containing interview footage telling the story of the band. The DVD will also feature the song "Hymn 11" from French-Algerian artist Pierre Bensusan, globally known as the "Mozart of Guitar", taken from his "Altiplatos" album.
Rock photo books are a dime a dozen with a parade of shutterbugs presenting images of iconic performers caught in their prime. But photographer Ron Sobol is one of the rare few who captured that elusive lightning in a bottle magic. As a perennial fifth member of hard rock band QUIET RIOT since their inception, Sobol's involvement lasted beyond the success of their multi-platinum masterpiece, "Metal Health". Intuitively aware of capturing the band's striking visual appeal, on and off stage, Ron quickly became a part of the group's trusted inner circle. Ron was not only QUIET RIOT's personal photographer, lighting director, and co-writer, he was also their dearest friend.
There's no such thing as an overnight success. To achieve musical respect and international stardom, aspiring rockers must be tireless in their quest, endlessly perfecting their craft as musicians, songwriters and performers. Even then, there's no guarantee of grabbing the brass ring and succeeding in the music business. Still a truism today, making it in the music business is a "one-in-a-million" crapshoot. It's a chosen few, inspired by a passionate love of rock and roll music and driven by an unyielding passion to strike a chord in the hearts of music fans, who stay in the game. Los Angeles-based rockers QUIET RIOT had hard rock music coursing through their veins. After seven long years of banging their heads on the local club circuit, recording two albums released only in Japan, and ultimately replacing three of its four original members, QUIET RIOT eventually achieved world domination.
In 1975, lead vocalist Kevin DuBrow and a young guitarist named Randy Rhoads served as the nucleus of the lineup, forged in a tight bond of friendship and aligned with a burning desire to make it. QUIET RIOT made their mark playing parties and small local venues before being transformed into the premier rock band on the Sunset Strip. By 1977, they were anointed reigning local rock icons, routinely selling out Hollywood's hottest clubs, The Starwood and The Whisky-A-Go-Go. Bound on a fast track to fame, the rising stars were foiled at every turn by the grinding corporate machinery of a mercurial record business.
Disco, punk and new wave were soaring, leaving passé hard rock purveyors in their wake. With record labels regularly passing on signing the band, the group's prospects grew dim. QUIET RIOT ditched their first manager and were on the brink of replacing their second, when they inked a deal for two albums with the Japanese division of CBS-Sony. Signed to the record label on the saleable visual merits of a promotional live photograph, shot by Ron Sobol, the band's two albums, "Quiet Riot" and "Quiet Riot II", met with moderate success in Japan. Back in their homeland, prospects for a breakthrough were even bleaker.
At the apex of their frustration, the band staged a coup. Along with a group of their most loyal fans, QUIET RIOT raced through the streets of Los Angeles on a flatbed truck, picketing every record company. Unfortunately, this proactive measure elicited minimal media coverage, prompting one key member of the band to declare it was time for a radical change.
In October 1979, Randy Rhoads was given the break of a lifetime. Packing his trusty Gibson Les Paul, he moved to England to form a new band with former BLACK SABBATH vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Randy's new band, BLIZZARD OF OZZ, went on to achieve massive worldwide success leaving behind his old friend Kevin DuBrow and their beloved QUIET RIOT. Kevin made several half-hearted attempts at replacing Randy and even temporarily changed the name of the band to DUBROW. Fronting this new incarnation, DuBrow stubbornly continued to follow his dream of rock stardom.
Finally, in 1982 Kevin DuBrow's luck changed when he signed a deal with Pasha Records, and resurrected the name QUIET RIOT. "Metal Health", the group's American debut, was released on March 11, 1983. This album signaled the first warning shot; a new brigade of brash heavy metal warriors were born. An explosive cover of SLADE's '70s classic "Cum on Feel the Noize" became a hit, rocketing to #5 on the Billboard chart. The fist-pumping title track served as the defining metal anthem of the fledgling '80s generation. Also included on the album was "Slick Black Cadillac", which held honors as the most requested song from their early club days. A somber ballad, "Thunderbird", featured a dedication to original guitarist Randy Rhoads who tragically perished in a plane crash on March 19, 1982.
With "Metal Health" going on to rack up more than six million copies in sales, QUIET RIOT had finally arrived. QUIET RIOT became the first heavy metal band to land a number one album on the Billboard chart. By this time, Kevin DuBrow's larger-than-life personality landed him on the covers of rock magazines worldwide, earning notoriety for his outlandish and bratty behavior. Naturally verbose and outspoken, DuBrow's "shoot-from-the-hip" attitude eventually soured relations with the press and drove a wedge among his bandmates who fired him from QUIET RIOT in February 1987. Half-heartedly assembling a few solo projects, DuBrow repaired his relationship with the band and was reinstated among the ranks of QUIET RIOT in 1991.
Throughout the '90s and into the new millennium, QUIET RIOT continued to record albums and play small clubs and theaters, sadly, they never recaptured their early whirlwind success.
Tragedy struck the QUIET RIOT family on November 26, 2007 with the untimely death of Kevin DuBrow. Working in partnership with Ron Sobol, Kevin envisioned chronicling the colorful history of QUIET RIOT with either a film or book. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to fulfill his vision.
Until now…
Enhanced by a rich collection of Ron Sobol's evocative photographs, rare video footage and moving personal memories, coupled with a raft of Kevin DuBrow's original memorabilia, this is the captivating story of QUIET RIOT's near-impossible journey to superstardom, a story that first began on March 3, 1975 with legendary guitar icon Randy Rhoads in tow. Rocked by adversity at every turn, refusing to give up, resolute that it was their way or the highway, QUIET RIOT truly epitomize the word survivor, by eventually becoming one of the most popular bands in heavy metal history.
"Randy Rhoads: The Quiet Riot Years" is being published by Red Match Productions, with exclusive distribution through Guitar World. As a bonus, this book comes with a 90-minute DVD documentary of the QUIET RIOT years with Randy, containing interview footage telling the story of the band. The DVD will also feature the song "Hymn 11" from French-Algerian artist Pierre Bensusan, globally known as the "Mozart of Guitar", taken from his "Altiplatos" album.
At about noon today, Alice Cooper delivered the graduation commencement speech to 600 rowdy and dangerous graduates from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. He opened by joking, "First of all, the fact that I am here as your keynote speaker raises a lot of red flags. It show's an obvious lack of judgment on your part." Alice also received an honorary doctorate from the Musicians Institute, the second doctorate award he has received in his career. Cooper said of the honor, "One more of these and I can write prescriptions".
Other key words from his speech:
"Mediocrity is your greatest enemy".
"If you're going to be in this business, don't be afraid to go out on that limb as far as you can".
"If you succeed, you become a genius; if you fail, you become an idiot. You can always start again".
"Apparently, chickens don't fly as much as they plummet".
"Elvis said to me, 'Hey, man, yer that cat with the makeup and the snakes. That's cool, man. I dig that'. "
"So there I was with a loaded snub nose Smith and Wesson 38 aimed at Elvis Presley. The little devil on my shoulder said, 'Kill him.' The angel the other shoulder said, 'No, just wound him'... "
Other key words from his speech:
"Mediocrity is your greatest enemy".
"If you're going to be in this business, don't be afraid to go out on that limb as far as you can".
"If you succeed, you become a genius; if you fail, you become an idiot. You can always start again".
"Apparently, chickens don't fly as much as they plummet".
"Elvis said to me, 'Hey, man, yer that cat with the makeup and the snakes. That's cool, man. I dig that'. "
"So there I was with a loaded snub nose Smith and Wesson 38 aimed at Elvis Presley. The little devil on my shoulder said, 'Kill him.' The angel the other shoulder said, 'No, just wound him'... "
According to the Las Vegas Sun, KISS will perform two songs on the April 9 episode of of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars".
As previously reported, KISS will also be the musical guests on the Tuesday, March 20 episode of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (which will actually air the morning of Wednesday, March 21). Check your local listings for details.
KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".
KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley recently admitted that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."
As previously reported, KISS will also be the musical guests on the Tuesday, March 20 episode of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (which will actually air the morning of Wednesday, March 21). Check your local listings for details.
KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".
KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley recently admitted that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."
MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS are expected to officially announce their "massive" U.S. co-headlining tour on Tuesday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The trek will reportedly kick off on July 19 and run for almost three months.
MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil told Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun about the upcoming tour, "It's going to be really cool because KISS is bringing their full stage show, and MÖTLEY will be bringing our full stage show, so you are going to see two huge headliners at the same time. It's going to be one of the biggest tours of the summer, if not the biggest."
KISS members declined to reveal any details about the upcoming tour at the "Kiss By Monster Mini Golf" grand opening on Thursday, but the band's guitarist, Tommy Thayer, did tell the Las Vegas Sun that he really enjoyed the CRÜE's performance at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in February, saying, "MÖTLEY CRÜE is one of my favorite bands." He added that KISS would be interested in entertaining such a monthlong residency at some point. "It would have to be way over the top, but we're a band that does things over the top anyway," he said. "We know no boundaries."
MÖTLEY CRÜE recently entered drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California to begin recording a new song that will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming tour.
KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".
MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil told Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun about the upcoming tour, "It's going to be really cool because KISS is bringing their full stage show, and MÖTLEY will be bringing our full stage show, so you are going to see two huge headliners at the same time. It's going to be one of the biggest tours of the summer, if not the biggest."
KISS members declined to reveal any details about the upcoming tour at the "Kiss By Monster Mini Golf" grand opening on Thursday, but the band's guitarist, Tommy Thayer, did tell the Las Vegas Sun that he really enjoyed the CRÜE's performance at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in February, saying, "MÖTLEY CRÜE is one of my favorite bands." He added that KISS would be interested in entertaining such a monthlong residency at some point. "It would have to be way over the top, but we're a band that does things over the top anyway," he said. "We know no boundaries."
MÖTLEY CRÜE recently entered drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California to begin recording a new song that will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming tour.
KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".
Earlier this month, MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine sat down with noted right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for a face-to-face interview for Infowars.com. The entire one-hour chat has now been posted online and can be viewed below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).
On having to clarify media reports that he endorsed Republican Rick Santorum for president:
Mustaine: "Well, it's no secret I've been writing songs about not being happy about the way that the peasants are treated in the valley. And being one myself, the lyrics in 'Peace Sells' talk a lot about what my beliefs are: I go to work when I have to, I go to court when I have to, I pay my bills, I believe in God. You know, all the things our founding fathers would have been proud of, you know what I mean!? And I was talking and doing an interview with this guy [at the MusicRadar.com web site], and innocently enough, he asked me what I thought about the candidates, and I went through the Republican candidates and I said what I thought of each one at the time. Because it was during that horrible, embarrassing smear campaign that they were all waging towards each other — I mean, seemingly like that. Everybody was just fighting instead of saying, 'He may have done this, but I believe this, and I'm gonna fight against Obama.' . . . And it's not even going after Obama, it's going after the ideals that America was founded on… We have a constitution. I saw a joke the other day. Someone said that, I think, Syria was writing a new constitution and that they could have ours 'cause we don't use it anymore. But to get back to the point, I was just talking about politics, like I did when I did Rock The Vote [Editor's note: In 1992, Mustaine went to the White House with the Rock The Vote campaign for the Democratic National Convention coverage.], and the second person who picked up the story said I endorsed Rick Santorum. And I put out a press release after that that said I never used the word 'endorsed.' I said that I liked the guy because he jumped off the campaign trail to go be with his sick daughter. Now that, to me, whether you're a football player or an astronaut, if you put your family first, you get kudos in my book."
On performing with METALLICA again more than 25 years after he was fired from the band:
Mustaine: "I think the point that this whole thing is… it's closure. It's very cathartic, what took place. When we started off, it was three guys that, we didn't know what we were gonna do. We just loved playing together, we loved fast and heavy music. If you would have told us we [were going to] change the world and that every guitar-playing kid from here to Timbuktu would be playng my style of guitar playing, I would have said you were out of your mind. But that's how it started. We were a three-piece — James [Hetfield] sang, I played guitar, Lars [Ulrich] drummed and we had a bass player at the time that we changed for Cliff Burton, who we really wanted. There was a lot of personality in the band and we went our separate ways for quite a long time. There was the way that the public perceived us, the way that the perceived us, and how we really are. 'Cause we were friends. When we got back to playing with each other… It's kind of like we have this relationship that the public sees and that the press has and that we have. Like the Johari Window, which is four different perspectives — how I see me, how you see me, how I think you see me, how you really see me. That's one of those weird perception things they teach you in psychology. And we have kind of a three-dimensional way that our relationship is. Our private relationship, we've been friends ever since the day we met. It's kind of like you see two people get together in a debate and they're vicious, and then after it's done, they shake hands. Like hockey players — they'll have a beer after they knock each other's teeth out. So we've always had that friendship, but the press has used what each one of us would say in jest about each other as really fiery ammo on each other, and just kind of kept it going, and the public bought into it. And I think the way that you can ask, 'Is it real?' 'Is it over?' is the 'Big Four' stuff that we did, and the [celebrations for METALLICA's] 30th anniversary, which is totally different. When we did the 'Big Four' stuff, we played — METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX on the same bill — several countries around the world. And when we did the 30th anniversary [concert at the Fillmore in San Francisco in December 2011], it was just me and James and Lars on stage. And sure, yeah, there were other musicians there and stuff like that. But for me, from my heart, when I got fired [from METALLICA] that day [in 1983], there was so much I wanted to still do with those guys. If I would have got a warning, it would have been different. I would have said, 'Oh, sure, man. I wanna be in the band. I love this band; it's my band, too. If my drinking is causing a problem, I'll be comfortable doing something else.' But it didn't really happen that way, and I think it was necessary, because we have two great bands now . . . It was the three of us [that helped crystallize METALLICA]. But I can't take any credit for James' songwriting ability or his guitar-playing ability. He blew my mind when he picked up the guitar the first time, 'cause he used to just sing, and I did all the guitar playing, and in fact, I talked between every song, too. And when he picked up the guitar for the first time, I remember watching him, and I was, like, 'Oh my God, this guy is really, really good.' It almost intimidated me. I was a gunslinger at the time, so I wasn't really that flappable. But I watched and I was just like, 'Wow! This guy is really good.' So that's part of the reason I had such a difficult time letting go and just thinking, 'It's just another band.' Just like most people that are in bands, they look at a band as being kind of like having a game of cards. But it was tribal, it was communal, it was really important to all of us. I remember when we first to San Francisco, we were doing blood pacts with the guys in EXODUS, cutting our hands and doing stuff like that. Yeah, it was crazy times. The Satanic Bible was everywhere and we were doing all kinds of stuff. Well, I'm not gonna say they were, because I don't know what they were doing, but I know what I was doing while I was part of the band, because there was just an energy that was around where you just felt you were bulletproof."
On not wanting to share the stage with "Satanic" bands and his views on gay marriage:
Mustaine: "When I got 'saved,' I told my agent, 'You know what?! I have to kind of take this slow, because my arms hurt and I don't know if I'm ever gonna play again [after my arm injury]. If I do play, there's certain things I kind of wanna veer away from.' I don't wanna play with any Satanic bands. I'll play with bands that have darkness in them, because we all have a little darkness in us or we wouldn't be human. But guys that are confessed Satanists, I don't really have time for that. . . I can control my emotions, because I know it's not the sinners, it's the sin. It's like that whole thing about me being against gay marriage. [Editor's note: Last month, Mustaine did an interview with Josh Kerns of 'Seattle Sounds', which airs on on Seattle's KIRO 97.3 FM radio station, in which he said that he didn't support gay marriage or legislation to make marriage between a man and another man legal. You can hear audio of that interview at this location.] I have the same position that Hillary Clinton and Obama have towards the gays. Look it up. I'm a Christian, I'm a heterosexual man. It's like me worrying about cat owners. I don't like cats. I don't have anything against them, but I don't want one. I know that's a really crazy connection. . . [Editor's note: Mustaine brings up the gay marriage topic again later in the interview and makes the statement that follows.] I'm a born-again Christian, but I don't push that on anybody. I had to tell the guy in Seattle, 'I'm a Christian. Stop asking me these questions, dude. Gay stuff is not part of my life.'"
On having to clarify media reports that he endorsed Republican Rick Santorum for president:
Mustaine: "Well, it's no secret I've been writing songs about not being happy about the way that the peasants are treated in the valley. And being one myself, the lyrics in 'Peace Sells' talk a lot about what my beliefs are: I go to work when I have to, I go to court when I have to, I pay my bills, I believe in God. You know, all the things our founding fathers would have been proud of, you know what I mean!? And I was talking and doing an interview with this guy [at the MusicRadar.com web site], and innocently enough, he asked me what I thought about the candidates, and I went through the Republican candidates and I said what I thought of each one at the time. Because it was during that horrible, embarrassing smear campaign that they were all waging towards each other — I mean, seemingly like that. Everybody was just fighting instead of saying, 'He may have done this, but I believe this, and I'm gonna fight against Obama.' . . . And it's not even going after Obama, it's going after the ideals that America was founded on… We have a constitution. I saw a joke the other day. Someone said that, I think, Syria was writing a new constitution and that they could have ours 'cause we don't use it anymore. But to get back to the point, I was just talking about politics, like I did when I did Rock The Vote [Editor's note: In 1992, Mustaine went to the White House with the Rock The Vote campaign for the Democratic National Convention coverage.], and the second person who picked up the story said I endorsed Rick Santorum. And I put out a press release after that that said I never used the word 'endorsed.' I said that I liked the guy because he jumped off the campaign trail to go be with his sick daughter. Now that, to me, whether you're a football player or an astronaut, if you put your family first, you get kudos in my book."
On performing with METALLICA again more than 25 years after he was fired from the band:
Mustaine: "I think the point that this whole thing is… it's closure. It's very cathartic, what took place. When we started off, it was three guys that, we didn't know what we were gonna do. We just loved playing together, we loved fast and heavy music. If you would have told us we [were going to] change the world and that every guitar-playing kid from here to Timbuktu would be playng my style of guitar playing, I would have said you were out of your mind. But that's how it started. We were a three-piece — James [Hetfield] sang, I played guitar, Lars [Ulrich] drummed and we had a bass player at the time that we changed for Cliff Burton, who we really wanted. There was a lot of personality in the band and we went our separate ways for quite a long time. There was the way that the public perceived us, the way that the perceived us, and how we really are. 'Cause we were friends. When we got back to playing with each other… It's kind of like we have this relationship that the public sees and that the press has and that we have. Like the Johari Window, which is four different perspectives — how I see me, how you see me, how I think you see me, how you really see me. That's one of those weird perception things they teach you in psychology. And we have kind of a three-dimensional way that our relationship is. Our private relationship, we've been friends ever since the day we met. It's kind of like you see two people get together in a debate and they're vicious, and then after it's done, they shake hands. Like hockey players — they'll have a beer after they knock each other's teeth out. So we've always had that friendship, but the press has used what each one of us would say in jest about each other as really fiery ammo on each other, and just kind of kept it going, and the public bought into it. And I think the way that you can ask, 'Is it real?' 'Is it over?' is the 'Big Four' stuff that we did, and the [celebrations for METALLICA's] 30th anniversary, which is totally different. When we did the 'Big Four' stuff, we played — METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX on the same bill — several countries around the world. And when we did the 30th anniversary [concert at the Fillmore in San Francisco in December 2011], it was just me and James and Lars on stage. And sure, yeah, there were other musicians there and stuff like that. But for me, from my heart, when I got fired [from METALLICA] that day [in 1983], there was so much I wanted to still do with those guys. If I would have got a warning, it would have been different. I would have said, 'Oh, sure, man. I wanna be in the band. I love this band; it's my band, too. If my drinking is causing a problem, I'll be comfortable doing something else.' But it didn't really happen that way, and I think it was necessary, because we have two great bands now . . . It was the three of us [that helped crystallize METALLICA]. But I can't take any credit for James' songwriting ability or his guitar-playing ability. He blew my mind when he picked up the guitar the first time, 'cause he used to just sing, and I did all the guitar playing, and in fact, I talked between every song, too. And when he picked up the guitar for the first time, I remember watching him, and I was, like, 'Oh my God, this guy is really, really good.' It almost intimidated me. I was a gunslinger at the time, so I wasn't really that flappable. But I watched and I was just like, 'Wow! This guy is really good.' So that's part of the reason I had such a difficult time letting go and just thinking, 'It's just another band.' Just like most people that are in bands, they look at a band as being kind of like having a game of cards. But it was tribal, it was communal, it was really important to all of us. I remember when we first to San Francisco, we were doing blood pacts with the guys in EXODUS, cutting our hands and doing stuff like that. Yeah, it was crazy times. The Satanic Bible was everywhere and we were doing all kinds of stuff. Well, I'm not gonna say they were, because I don't know what they were doing, but I know what I was doing while I was part of the band, because there was just an energy that was around where you just felt you were bulletproof."
On not wanting to share the stage with "Satanic" bands and his views on gay marriage:
Mustaine: "When I got 'saved,' I told my agent, 'You know what?! I have to kind of take this slow, because my arms hurt and I don't know if I'm ever gonna play again [after my arm injury]. If I do play, there's certain things I kind of wanna veer away from.' I don't wanna play with any Satanic bands. I'll play with bands that have darkness in them, because we all have a little darkness in us or we wouldn't be human. But guys that are confessed Satanists, I don't really have time for that. . . I can control my emotions, because I know it's not the sinners, it's the sin. It's like that whole thing about me being against gay marriage. [Editor's note: Last month, Mustaine did an interview with Josh Kerns of 'Seattle Sounds', which airs on on Seattle's KIRO 97.3 FM radio station, in which he said that he didn't support gay marriage or legislation to make marriage between a man and another man legal. You can hear audio of that interview at this location.] I have the same position that Hillary Clinton and Obama have towards the gays. Look it up. I'm a Christian, I'm a heterosexual man. It's like me worrying about cat owners. I don't like cats. I don't have anything against them, but I don't want one. I know that's a really crazy connection. . . [Editor's note: Mustaine brings up the gay marriage topic again later in the interview and makes the statement that follows.] I'm a born-again Christian, but I don't push that on anybody. I had to tell the guy in Seattle, 'I'm a Christian. Stop asking me these questions, dude. Gay stuff is not part of my life.'"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR2OE3q8mbk&feature=player_embedded
Legendary guitarist Slash recorded a guest appearance last night (Thursday, March 15) on the forthcoming debut album from ADLER, the new band led by his former GUNS N' ROSES bandmate Steven Adler.
A photo of Slash in the studio with ADLER can be seen below.
In addition to Steven, ADLER features Lonny Paul (ADLER'S APPETITE) on guitar and Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC) on vocals/guitar. The group has completed eight songs for its debut album, which is being recorded in Los Angeles with producers Jeff Pilson (former DOKKEN and current FOREIGNER/TOOTH AND NAIL bassist) and Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, ADRENALINE MOB).
"I love the music that we're creating!" states Adler. "I haven't been this excited about my band since the GN'R days. Jacob is exactly the singer I have been searching for. He has an amazing range and is a great writer and frontman. Lonny is an amazing guitarist and songwriter and the vibe is amazing!" He added, "I'm so excited for everyone to hear this record!"
Steven spent the past several years touring and recording with ADLER'S APPETITE, which played original material alongside cover versions of songs from GUNS' classic debut album, "Appetite For Destruction".
In 2010, Adler collaborated with Slash on the latter's self-titled debut solo album. He appeared on the track "Baby Can't Drive", along with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea, Alice Cooper and Nicole Scherzinger. The song was featured on an expanded edition of the album released by Classic Rock magazine.
Adler, Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin will all be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next month in Cleveland, along with later GUNS N' ROSES members, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Matt Sorum.
A photo of Slash in the studio with ADLER can be seen below.
In addition to Steven, ADLER features Lonny Paul (ADLER'S APPETITE) on guitar and Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC) on vocals/guitar. The group has completed eight songs for its debut album, which is being recorded in Los Angeles with producers Jeff Pilson (former DOKKEN and current FOREIGNER/TOOTH AND NAIL bassist) and Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, ADRENALINE MOB).
"I love the music that we're creating!" states Adler. "I haven't been this excited about my band since the GN'R days. Jacob is exactly the singer I have been searching for. He has an amazing range and is a great writer and frontman. Lonny is an amazing guitarist and songwriter and the vibe is amazing!" He added, "I'm so excited for everyone to hear this record!"
Steven spent the past several years touring and recording with ADLER'S APPETITE, which played original material alongside cover versions of songs from GUNS' classic debut album, "Appetite For Destruction".
In 2010, Adler collaborated with Slash on the latter's self-titled debut solo album. He appeared on the track "Baby Can't Drive", along with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea, Alice Cooper and Nicole Scherzinger. The song was featured on an expanded edition of the album released by Classic Rock magazine.
Adler, Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin will all be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next month in Cleveland, along with later GUNS N' ROSES members, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Matt Sorum.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/slashadlerband.jpg
Glenn Danzig will perform his "Legacy" career-spanning set featuring songs from DANZIG, SAMHAIN and MISFITS, in a number of U.S. cities in late May and early June. In addition, he has announced four DANZIG shows where he will be joined by ex-MISFITS axeman Doyle Von Frankenstein as a "special guest". Tickets for these dates will go on sale this Tuesday, March 20.
The details are as follows:
May 26 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (Danzig Legacy)
May 31 - Kansas City, KS - Uptown Theatre (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 01 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 02 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 04 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 05 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage Ae (Danzig Legacy)
Jun. 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory (Danzig Legacy)
Jun. 09 - Manchester, TN - Bonaroo Festival (Danzig Legacy)
It was announced last year that a "Danzig Legacy" TV special was being filmed in Los Angeles with director Mark Brooks (Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse").
The details are as follows:
May 26 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (Danzig Legacy)
May 31 - Kansas City, KS - Uptown Theatre (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 01 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 02 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 04 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore (Danzig with Doyle)
Jun. 05 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage Ae (Danzig Legacy)
Jun. 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory (Danzig Legacy)
Jun. 09 - Manchester, TN - Bonaroo Festival (Danzig Legacy)
It was announced last year that a "Danzig Legacy" TV special was being filmed in Los Angeles with director Mark Brooks (Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse").
GREAT WHITE — Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals) — will release its new studio album, "Elation", in Europe, Japan and USA on May 18. The 12-song CD will mark GREAT WHITE's first effort with Ilous following the band's split with founding singer Jack Russell. In addition, GREAT WHITE's 30th-anniversary show at the Key Club in Hollywood, California on March 22 will be professionally filmed and recorded for an upcoming live album and concert DVD.
Stated Kendall: "We are extremely excited about our new studio album and are looking forward to sharing our new music with you all."
This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which features Russell alongside Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar, Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) on guitar, Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) on bass and Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) on drums.
Kendall, Snyder, Desbrow, Lardie and Ilous issued a statement in December in which they claimed that Jack Russell's "frail body" and "drug abuse" prohibited him from taking part in the band's performances for the past year. They additionally revealed that Jack had undergone "five major surgeries" after his drug abuse got so bad that "his body began to shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy surgery from a perforated bowel." In the statement, GREAT WHITE also insisted that Russell "does not have the right to start his own GREAT WHITE or use the name without our names in the lineup."
GREAT WHITE's last studio album, "Rising" (featuring Russell on lead vocals), was released in North America in April 2009 via Shrapnel Records. The CD was issued in Europe in March 2009 through Frontiers Records.
Stated Kendall: "We are extremely excited about our new studio album and are looking forward to sharing our new music with you all."
This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which features Russell alongside Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar, Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) on guitar, Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) on bass and Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) on drums.
Kendall, Snyder, Desbrow, Lardie and Ilous issued a statement in December in which they claimed that Jack Russell's "frail body" and "drug abuse" prohibited him from taking part in the band's performances for the past year. They additionally revealed that Jack had undergone "five major surgeries" after his drug abuse got so bad that "his body began to shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy surgery from a perforated bowel." In the statement, GREAT WHITE also insisted that Russell "does not have the right to start his own GREAT WHITE or use the name without our names in the lineup."
GREAT WHITE's last studio album, "Rising" (featuring Russell on lead vocals), was released in North America in April 2009 via Shrapnel Records. The CD was issued in Europe in March 2009 through Frontiers Records.
The self-titled debut album from KILL DEVIL HILL — the band featuring Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) on drums, Rex Brown (PANTERA, DOWN) on bass, Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) on guitar and Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) on vocals — has had its release date pushed back to late spring from the previously announced March 27.
Commented the group: "Don't worry, all, the CD will be out this year (hopefully May). We are just waiting for a final release date since we had to record another track at the last minute. It was decided that a song that was to be a bonus track might be released as a single, so in order to include that song on the CD we needed an additional track to include as a bonus in its place. Can't wait for you guys to hear it!"
"Kill Devil Hill" was produced by Warren Riker, who is best known for his work with DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SUBLIME and CATHEDRAL. The effort will be available in a standard CD edition, as an iTunes digital download, and double gatefold LP.
The song "Time & Time Again" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below (courtesy of RevolverMag.com).
According to Appice, KILL DEVIL HILL's sound is "like a cross between BLACK SABBATH, ALICE IN CHAINS and a little bit of LED ZEPPELIN thrown in. It's heavy, but with a lot of cool hooks and melodic overtones, too."
The members of KILL DEVIL HILL previously stated about their songwriting and recording approach, "We are going old school meets new; no sample drums here!!"
KILL DEVIL HILL made its live debut on April 29, 2011 at the Key Club in Hollywood, California.
KILL DEVIL HILL is:
* Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) - Vocals
* Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) - Guitar
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA) - Bass
* Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) – Drums\
Commented the group: "Don't worry, all, the CD will be out this year (hopefully May). We are just waiting for a final release date since we had to record another track at the last minute. It was decided that a song that was to be a bonus track might be released as a single, so in order to include that song on the CD we needed an additional track to include as a bonus in its place. Can't wait for you guys to hear it!"
"Kill Devil Hill" was produced by Warren Riker, who is best known for his work with DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SUBLIME and CATHEDRAL. The effort will be available in a standard CD edition, as an iTunes digital download, and double gatefold LP.
The song "Time & Time Again" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below (courtesy of RevolverMag.com).
According to Appice, KILL DEVIL HILL's sound is "like a cross between BLACK SABBATH, ALICE IN CHAINS and a little bit of LED ZEPPELIN thrown in. It's heavy, but with a lot of cool hooks and melodic overtones, too."
The members of KILL DEVIL HILL previously stated about their songwriting and recording approach, "We are going old school meets new; no sample drums here!!"
KILL DEVIL HILL made its live debut on April 29, 2011 at the Key Club in Hollywood, California.
KILL DEVIL HILL is:
* Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) - Vocals
* Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) - Guitar
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA) - Bass
* Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) – Drums\
Mike Portnoy Talks Adrenaline Mob, Flying Colors and Answers Your Twitter Questions – Interview
It's not every day you get to talk to one of your musical idols. Like all of us, I was bummed when Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater, but if I had known he was going to release two world-class albums a year later I wouldn't have been as bummed. Adrenaline Mob is the ideal hard rock band, three to five guys (currently four). With their debut album "Omerta" they didn't try to reinvent the wheel, they just tried to write kick ass rock songs without worrying who came before them. Then there is Flying Colors, a very different but equally as good band. I can't wait to start showing people this album. I don't know how to describe it other than saying that each member (including Steve Morse and Neal Morse) is very relevant in the sound of the band. Recently I got the chance to talk with Mike about Adrenaline Mob and Flying Colors.
Zoiks!: Hey Mike how are you doing?
Mike Portnoy: Good man, how are you?
Z!: I'm good, thanks for taking the time to do this.
MP: No problem
Z!: I haven't been this excited about a new band as I am for Adrenaline Mob in a long time. How did the project come together?
MP: It was the beginning of last year, 2011 and I had just finished my experience with Avenged Sevenfold. Russell Allen contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in hearing some stuff that he was working on with a guitar player named Mike Orlando. The two of them had been working on this music for a little while already when Russ brought it to my attention. He sent me some demos that they had and in the back of my head, coming from Russ I kind of expected it to be something like Symphony X, very proggy and to be honest I didn't really want to do something like that, because I had just left Dream Theater and I was looking for some new, fresh directions and avenues in my career. I was pleasantly surprised when I hit play to hear that it was pretty much exactly the sort of thing I was looking for, especially after my experience with Avenged Sevenfold. I was out with those guys on Uproar with Disturbed, Stone Sour, Hell Yeah and all these bands. I really wanted to do something like that. When I pressed play on these demos, the first thing I heard was the song "Undaunted" and within thirty seconds I was like, 'Oh my God, this is awesome, I'm totally into this.' I called Russ immediately and said count me in; I'm on board, let's go. It was exactly what I was looking for; I just wanted something that was going to be fun. You didn't have to put on your thinking cap or get out a calculator to enjoy it. It's something you can just feel, the grove, the bounce, the riffs and the melodies and just something that was really song oriented.
Z!: You kind of answered my next question already, but were you involved with the writing process at all or was the album pretty much written when you came on board?
MP: Russ and Mike pretty much had the skeletons and demos for ninety percent of the music. Once I got into the studio to do the drum tracks there was a little bit of shaping and molding here and there, nothing that I would consider getting writing credit for, it was more just part of the arranging process and discussion with those guys. It was pretty much all there when I got involved.
Z!: I'm dying to see you guys live, are there any plans for you guys to hit the road?
MP: Absolutely, we did some brief touring at the end of last summer, a combination of some shows with Godsmack as well as our own club shows. It became obvious immediately that this is a live band and that everybody in this band is really energetic and entertaining on stage. This band is all about the live experience. We are excited as hell to get back out there as soon as "Omerta" comes out. The tour plans are all coming together now. With in the coming weeks or so the tour plans will be unveiled coming soon to a city near you.
Z!: What's the experience like coming from the bigger theaters and arenas with Dream Theater to starting over at the club level, is it a refreshing feeling or is it more frustrating?
MP: It is fun again, there's a certain charm to it. On the other hand it was very nice being comfortable and cushy with all those years in Dream Theater. What I left with Dream Theater was 25 years of hard hard work. You don't get to play big arenas and theaters over night, at least I never did, I had to really work for it. There's definitely a little frustration with having to start over, but that was inevitable, I knew that was going to be the case when I left Dream Theater. I could have just sailed away into the sunset and been secure forever, but for me I wanted something more, I needed something more. I wanted to work with people and music that was fresh and inspiring to me. With that comes the rebuilding process and I understand that and accept that and we're all willing to do it. We love this band and this album and this music and if we have to get back into the clubs and win people over one by one then we're up for the job.
Z!: I also got a copy of the Flying Colors album which I love as well. I first remember hearing about this shortly after you left Dream Theater, but according to the bands website this project had been in the works since 2008, how did that project come together?
MP: Flying Colors started with an idea from the Executive Producer of the album Bill Evans. He had this vision of putting Neal Morse, Steve Morse and myself together. I had been hearing talk about this idea for years. I just kept saying, 'ok, ok call me when you're ready.' Finally it came about and we found ourselves in the studio last January. We finally got all of our schedules aligned and got it off the ground. The idea started with Steve and Neal working together. Then I was brought on board, then Dave LaRue was brought on board with Steve, then I brought Casey (McPherson) on. It took awhile to get going, but once we did get together in the studio it was like magic. It all naturally came together and came out really really wonderful. It is interesting that both of my main projects right now, which are Flying Colors and Adrenaline Mob, both are projects that I was asked to be involved in. A lot of people think that these are my post Dream Theater bands that I put together and this was my big master plan, but in both cases it's not the case at all, I was asked to be a member of both projects.
Z!: Last night I took to Twitter and asked if anybody had any questions for you, would you mind if I ran through a couple of those?
MP: Sure
Z!: @nala_gates wanted to know if you would ever collaborate with Avenged Sevenfold again if they asked?
MP: Sure, if they asked. I had a great experience with them. I loved their fans, they were always so great and open and welcoming to me. Yeah I look back with fond memories of the experience and if they ever needed my help or service I'd be glad to help them again.
Z!: @marcusjiles asked what is the most difficult drum pattern or part that you've come up with that still gives you troubles today?
MP: I would say some of the stuff I did on the "Dance of Eternity" (Dream Theater) track were some of more complex patterns I have ever come up with. It took awhile to execute them and learn them and create them. However I just recorded something two nights ago, I'm currently in the studio with Neal Morse doing his next solo album, and there was a pattern in one of these songs I recorded a couple of days ago that was tremendously difficult, it was very very challenging for me, so I still find those moments that give me a true challenge now and then.
Z!: @Downthe40 wanted to know what you do to warm up and stay in shape before drumming, do you have a ritual?
MP: Usually about thirty minutes before show time I'll start warming up on a drum pad. I'll stretch a little bit, have myself an energy drink and take a piss, that's basically my ritual.
Z!: The last question was from @cmerlo441, Will there be a Flying Colors tour and will it come to New York City?
MP: We are absolutely hoping for and looking forward to a Flying Colors tour. It seems like the biggest obstacle right now is the scheduling, especially with Steve Morse just because he is at the mercy of Deep Purple's scheduling. It's something we're talking about and looking forward to, it's really just a matter of when we can align our schedules. We hope for it to happen as soon as possible, but if it doesn't happen immediately it will in deed happen. It's not a matter of if, but more a matter of when.
Zoiks!: Hey Mike how are you doing?
Mike Portnoy: Good man, how are you?
Z!: I'm good, thanks for taking the time to do this.
MP: No problem
Z!: I haven't been this excited about a new band as I am for Adrenaline Mob in a long time. How did the project come together?
MP: It was the beginning of last year, 2011 and I had just finished my experience with Avenged Sevenfold. Russell Allen contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in hearing some stuff that he was working on with a guitar player named Mike Orlando. The two of them had been working on this music for a little while already when Russ brought it to my attention. He sent me some demos that they had and in the back of my head, coming from Russ I kind of expected it to be something like Symphony X, very proggy and to be honest I didn't really want to do something like that, because I had just left Dream Theater and I was looking for some new, fresh directions and avenues in my career. I was pleasantly surprised when I hit play to hear that it was pretty much exactly the sort of thing I was looking for, especially after my experience with Avenged Sevenfold. I was out with those guys on Uproar with Disturbed, Stone Sour, Hell Yeah and all these bands. I really wanted to do something like that. When I pressed play on these demos, the first thing I heard was the song "Undaunted" and within thirty seconds I was like, 'Oh my God, this is awesome, I'm totally into this.' I called Russ immediately and said count me in; I'm on board, let's go. It was exactly what I was looking for; I just wanted something that was going to be fun. You didn't have to put on your thinking cap or get out a calculator to enjoy it. It's something you can just feel, the grove, the bounce, the riffs and the melodies and just something that was really song oriented.
Z!: You kind of answered my next question already, but were you involved with the writing process at all or was the album pretty much written when you came on board?
MP: Russ and Mike pretty much had the skeletons and demos for ninety percent of the music. Once I got into the studio to do the drum tracks there was a little bit of shaping and molding here and there, nothing that I would consider getting writing credit for, it was more just part of the arranging process and discussion with those guys. It was pretty much all there when I got involved.
Z!: I'm dying to see you guys live, are there any plans for you guys to hit the road?
MP: Absolutely, we did some brief touring at the end of last summer, a combination of some shows with Godsmack as well as our own club shows. It became obvious immediately that this is a live band and that everybody in this band is really energetic and entertaining on stage. This band is all about the live experience. We are excited as hell to get back out there as soon as "Omerta" comes out. The tour plans are all coming together now. With in the coming weeks or so the tour plans will be unveiled coming soon to a city near you.
Z!: What's the experience like coming from the bigger theaters and arenas with Dream Theater to starting over at the club level, is it a refreshing feeling or is it more frustrating?
MP: It is fun again, there's a certain charm to it. On the other hand it was very nice being comfortable and cushy with all those years in Dream Theater. What I left with Dream Theater was 25 years of hard hard work. You don't get to play big arenas and theaters over night, at least I never did, I had to really work for it. There's definitely a little frustration with having to start over, but that was inevitable, I knew that was going to be the case when I left Dream Theater. I could have just sailed away into the sunset and been secure forever, but for me I wanted something more, I needed something more. I wanted to work with people and music that was fresh and inspiring to me. With that comes the rebuilding process and I understand that and accept that and we're all willing to do it. We love this band and this album and this music and if we have to get back into the clubs and win people over one by one then we're up for the job.
Z!: I also got a copy of the Flying Colors album which I love as well. I first remember hearing about this shortly after you left Dream Theater, but according to the bands website this project had been in the works since 2008, how did that project come together?
MP: Flying Colors started with an idea from the Executive Producer of the album Bill Evans. He had this vision of putting Neal Morse, Steve Morse and myself together. I had been hearing talk about this idea for years. I just kept saying, 'ok, ok call me when you're ready.' Finally it came about and we found ourselves in the studio last January. We finally got all of our schedules aligned and got it off the ground. The idea started with Steve and Neal working together. Then I was brought on board, then Dave LaRue was brought on board with Steve, then I brought Casey (McPherson) on. It took awhile to get going, but once we did get together in the studio it was like magic. It all naturally came together and came out really really wonderful. It is interesting that both of my main projects right now, which are Flying Colors and Adrenaline Mob, both are projects that I was asked to be involved in. A lot of people think that these are my post Dream Theater bands that I put together and this was my big master plan, but in both cases it's not the case at all, I was asked to be a member of both projects.
Z!: Last night I took to Twitter and asked if anybody had any questions for you, would you mind if I ran through a couple of those?
MP: Sure
Z!: @nala_gates wanted to know if you would ever collaborate with Avenged Sevenfold again if they asked?
MP: Sure, if they asked. I had a great experience with them. I loved their fans, they were always so great and open and welcoming to me. Yeah I look back with fond memories of the experience and if they ever needed my help or service I'd be glad to help them again.
Z!: @marcusjiles asked what is the most difficult drum pattern or part that you've come up with that still gives you troubles today?
MP: I would say some of the stuff I did on the "Dance of Eternity" (Dream Theater) track were some of more complex patterns I have ever come up with. It took awhile to execute them and learn them and create them. However I just recorded something two nights ago, I'm currently in the studio with Neal Morse doing his next solo album, and there was a pattern in one of these songs I recorded a couple of days ago that was tremendously difficult, it was very very challenging for me, so I still find those moments that give me a true challenge now and then.
Z!: @Downthe40 wanted to know what you do to warm up and stay in shape before drumming, do you have a ritual?
MP: Usually about thirty minutes before show time I'll start warming up on a drum pad. I'll stretch a little bit, have myself an energy drink and take a piss, that's basically my ritual.
Z!: The last question was from @cmerlo441, Will there be a Flying Colors tour and will it come to New York City?
MP: We are absolutely hoping for and looking forward to a Flying Colors tour. It seems like the biggest obstacle right now is the scheduling, especially with Steve Morse just because he is at the mercy of Deep Purple's scheduling. It's something we're talking about and looking forward to, it's really just a matter of when we can align our schedules. We hope for it to happen as soon as possible, but if it doesn't happen immediately it will in deed happen. It's not a matter of if, but more a matter of when.
Former DIO members Scott Warren (keyboards) and Jimmy Bain (bass; also ex-RAINBOW) make guest appearances on "Imagine Me Alive", the debut album from SLEDGE LEATHER, the new band featuring former CHASTAIN singer Leather Leone. The CD is available by sending $10 via PayPal to tempadime@yahoo.com.
"Imagine Me Alive" recording lineup:
* Leather Leone (CHASTAIN, MALIBU BARBI, RUDE GIRL) - Vocals
* Sandy Sledge (RUDE GIRL, WARBRIDE, MALIBU BARBI, WEAPONSVAN) - Drums
* Scott Warren (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Keyboards
* Jimmy Bain (DIO, RAINBOW) - Bass
* Matthias Weisheit – Guitar
"Imagine Me Alive" recording lineup:
* Leather Leone (CHASTAIN, MALIBU BARBI, RUDE GIRL) - Vocals
* Sandy Sledge (RUDE GIRL, WARBRIDE, MALIBU BARBI, WEAPONSVAN) - Drums
* Scott Warren (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Keyboards
* Jimmy Bain (DIO, RAINBOW) - Bass
* Matthias Weisheit – Guitar
THE SKULL, the new band formed by two original members of Chicago doom legends TROUBLE — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson — alongside the band's longtime bassist, Ron Holzner, has recruited guitarists Lothar Keller and Michael Carpenter of the Chicago, Illinois-based progressive power metallers SACRED DAWN. Glen Drover (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, KING DIAMOND), who was previously announced as a guest touring guitarist on THE SKULL's upcoming tour, will not be able to join the band on the road due to scheduling conflicts.
Commented Wagner, Olson, and Holzner in a statement: "We welcome the twin guitar attack of Lothar Keller and Michael Carpenter from SACRED DAWN. Both guitarist have been playing together for many years and that's a big plus. We are excited to begin rehearsing for our upcoming shows!"
The following festival dates have been confirmed so far. More shows will be announced soon.
June 16 - Days of The Doomed - Cudahy, WI
July 21 - Hells Pleasure - Pößneck, Germany
Sep. 01 - Stoner Hands Of Doom - New London, CT
Nov. 10 - Hammer Of Doom - Würzburg, Germany
THE SKULL, the new band formed by two original members of Chicago doom legends TROUBLE — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson — alongside the band's longtime bassist, Ron Holzner, has recruited Glen Drover (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, KING DIAMOND) as its guest touring guitarist.
Commented Wagner, Olson and Holzner in a statement: "We are ready to rock you with the sounds and spirit of TROUBLE... past-present-future.
"Please welcome our guest touring guitarist Glen Drover. We are excited to have him on board.
"A tour is currently being planned for 2012 and will be announced soon as well as our guest dueling guitarist. Stay tuned."
When asked why they decided now was the right time for THE SKULL to come together, Ron told Metal Kaoz, "The 'TROUBLE jam' set at last year's Days Of The Doomed Fest [in Kenosha, Wisconsin] was the catalyst for this whole thing. Eric and Oly hadn't had the chance to talk much before [Days Of The Doomed Fest], and then when I got there the next day and we all got to hang out and talk... it was really nice! Playing 'End Of My Daze' with the whole fucking crowd singing... that's what it's all about! We all looked at each other on stage and simply went, 'Wow!'"
He added, "All of us have our [respective] bands that are doing well, but the fans really want to hear the old [TROUBLE] songs the way they're meant to be heard.
"After the [Days Of The Doomed] fest, Eric basically said to me, 'Let's start a band!', and after that night the three of us thought, 'That would be cool.' We want to give the fans to the best of our ability what they deserve. When people speak loud enough, you hear it. Well, we hear it! We're doing this because we want to, and because the fans want us to. It's all about the fans. The fans spoke out, and the fans have been heard.
"The thing is, we can't just sit back and not listen to the fans. We want to go out and have fun and play the old songs. We don't have to go out and do this because we all have our own bands that are doing well with records coming out. We're doing this because we want to, and because the fans want us to."
Olson was equally enthusastic about the formation of THE SKULL, telling Metal Kaos in an e-mail, "[I'm] excited to jam some TROUBLE again! [I] was a little worried there would be some drama with the fans, like with the two L.A. GUNS bands performing the same material, but there is nothing I want more than a reunion with all TROUBLE members. For now, this will do."
Wagner, Olson and original TROUBLE bassist Sean McAllister shared the stage for the first time since 1986 during Olson's RETRO GRAVE set on June 18, 2011 at the Days Of The Doomed Fest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Video footage of Wagner, Olson and McAllister performing the song "Victim Of The Insane", which was written by Olson for TROUBLE's full-length debut "Psalm 9" (1984), can be viewed below.
TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".
Eric was one of the guest singers on Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) heavy metal side project PROBOT, whose 2004 album featured heavy metal vocalists from the '80s and '90s. Wagner also makes a guest appearance in the forthcoming horror film "Jezebeth" (written and directed by Damien Dante of Satania 6 Films), to be released on Blu-ray in early 2012.
Eric Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.
Commented Wagner, Olson, and Holzner in a statement: "We welcome the twin guitar attack of Lothar Keller and Michael Carpenter from SACRED DAWN. Both guitarist have been playing together for many years and that's a big plus. We are excited to begin rehearsing for our upcoming shows!"
The following festival dates have been confirmed so far. More shows will be announced soon.
June 16 - Days of The Doomed - Cudahy, WI
July 21 - Hells Pleasure - Pößneck, Germany
Sep. 01 - Stoner Hands Of Doom - New London, CT
Nov. 10 - Hammer Of Doom - Würzburg, Germany
THE SKULL, the new band formed by two original members of Chicago doom legends TROUBLE — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson — alongside the band's longtime bassist, Ron Holzner, has recruited Glen Drover (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, KING DIAMOND) as its guest touring guitarist.
Commented Wagner, Olson and Holzner in a statement: "We are ready to rock you with the sounds and spirit of TROUBLE... past-present-future.
"Please welcome our guest touring guitarist Glen Drover. We are excited to have him on board.
"A tour is currently being planned for 2012 and will be announced soon as well as our guest dueling guitarist. Stay tuned."
When asked why they decided now was the right time for THE SKULL to come together, Ron told Metal Kaoz, "The 'TROUBLE jam' set at last year's Days Of The Doomed Fest [in Kenosha, Wisconsin] was the catalyst for this whole thing. Eric and Oly hadn't had the chance to talk much before [Days Of The Doomed Fest], and then when I got there the next day and we all got to hang out and talk... it was really nice! Playing 'End Of My Daze' with the whole fucking crowd singing... that's what it's all about! We all looked at each other on stage and simply went, 'Wow!'"
He added, "All of us have our [respective] bands that are doing well, but the fans really want to hear the old [TROUBLE] songs the way they're meant to be heard.
"After the [Days Of The Doomed] fest, Eric basically said to me, 'Let's start a band!', and after that night the three of us thought, 'That would be cool.' We want to give the fans to the best of our ability what they deserve. When people speak loud enough, you hear it. Well, we hear it! We're doing this because we want to, and because the fans want us to. It's all about the fans. The fans spoke out, and the fans have been heard.
"The thing is, we can't just sit back and not listen to the fans. We want to go out and have fun and play the old songs. We don't have to go out and do this because we all have our own bands that are doing well with records coming out. We're doing this because we want to, and because the fans want us to."
Olson was equally enthusastic about the formation of THE SKULL, telling Metal Kaos in an e-mail, "[I'm] excited to jam some TROUBLE again! [I] was a little worried there would be some drama with the fans, like with the two L.A. GUNS bands performing the same material, but there is nothing I want more than a reunion with all TROUBLE members. For now, this will do."
Wagner, Olson and original TROUBLE bassist Sean McAllister shared the stage for the first time since 1986 during Olson's RETRO GRAVE set on June 18, 2011 at the Days Of The Doomed Fest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Video footage of Wagner, Olson and McAllister performing the song "Victim Of The Insane", which was written by Olson for TROUBLE's full-length debut "Psalm 9" (1984), can be viewed below.
TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".
Eric was one of the guest singers on Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) heavy metal side project PROBOT, whose 2004 album featured heavy metal vocalists from the '80s and '90s. Wagner also makes a guest appearance in the forthcoming horror film "Jezebeth" (written and directed by Damien Dante of Satania 6 Films), to be released on Blu-ray in early 2012.
Eric Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.
The original lineup of the Canadian all-girl metal band KITTIE — Morgan Lander (guitar, vocals), Mercedes Lander (drums), Fallon Bowman (guitar) and Tanya Candler (bass) — is apparently contemplating playing some reunion shows which would feature the group performing its gold-certified 1999 debut album, "Spit", in its entirety.
A new tweet from KITTIE which was posted earlier tonight on the band's official Twitter account reads as follows: "If we did shows with the original lineup (@fallonbowman, @TanyaCandler) and played all of 'Spit' in its entirety, would you come? And where?"
The band added via Facebook, "It should be mentioned that if it were to happen, it wouldn't be a permanent thing, or even a tour for that matter. Just a few select dates, and KITTIE will still remain the KITTIE we are now."
Candler left KITTIE in the winter of 1999 after the release of "Spit" in order to finish high school and was replaced by Talena Atfield.
Bowman exited KITTIE in 2001 and started her own industrial/electronic project, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
Candler is currently playing bass for the London, Ontario, Canada-based "psychedelic/rock/tropical" band ALCOHOLLYS.
In a 2002 interview with Ballbuster Music, Mercedes stated about KITTIE's debut album, "I think 'Spit' is probably the least polished record I've ever heard in my entire life. It was recorded in nine days on Fender Squires. It was a point in our lifetime, and it was like a snapshot of what we were like back in 1999."
She added, "We'd been a band for so long, we played over 200 some odd shows before we got record label interest. We were playing every weekend that we could. Sometimes we were playing during the week. We traveled to Toronto, to Detroit; we played a lot of shows. A lot of bands that play 12 shows before they get signed, they sound like crap on their record; they're experimenting on their recording, and they don't know what they want to do. We were just lucky because we knew what we wanted to do."
KITTIE recently parted ways with bassist Ivy Vujic and was rejoined by Trish Doan. Doan was previously with the band from 2005 to 2007, appearing on the band's 2007 release "Funeral For Yesterday".
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music.
A new tweet from KITTIE which was posted earlier tonight on the band's official Twitter account reads as follows: "If we did shows with the original lineup (@fallonbowman, @TanyaCandler) and played all of 'Spit' in its entirety, would you come? And where?"
The band added via Facebook, "It should be mentioned that if it were to happen, it wouldn't be a permanent thing, or even a tour for that matter. Just a few select dates, and KITTIE will still remain the KITTIE we are now."
Candler left KITTIE in the winter of 1999 after the release of "Spit" in order to finish high school and was replaced by Talena Atfield.
Bowman exited KITTIE in 2001 and started her own industrial/electronic project, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
Candler is currently playing bass for the London, Ontario, Canada-based "psychedelic/rock/tropical" band ALCOHOLLYS.
In a 2002 interview with Ballbuster Music, Mercedes stated about KITTIE's debut album, "I think 'Spit' is probably the least polished record I've ever heard in my entire life. It was recorded in nine days on Fender Squires. It was a point in our lifetime, and it was like a snapshot of what we were like back in 1999."
She added, "We'd been a band for so long, we played over 200 some odd shows before we got record label interest. We were playing every weekend that we could. Sometimes we were playing during the week. We traveled to Toronto, to Detroit; we played a lot of shows. A lot of bands that play 12 shows before they get signed, they sound like crap on their record; they're experimenting on their recording, and they don't know what they want to do. We were just lucky because we knew what we wanted to do."
KITTIE recently parted ways with bassist Ivy Vujic and was rejoined by Trish Doan. Doan was previously with the band from 2005 to 2007, appearing on the band's 2007 release "Funeral For Yesterday".
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music.
REVERENCE, the new power metal band featuring vocalist Todd Michael Hall (JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR, HARLET), guitarist Bryan Holland (TOKYO BLADE, ARREST), drummer Steve "Dr. Killdrums" Wacholz (SAVATAGE, CRIMSON GLORY), bassist Frank Saparti (TOKYO BLADE, OVERLOADED, MINDCANDY), and lead guitarist Pete Rossi, is currently mixing and mastering its debut album, "When Darkness Calls", for a late April/May release via Razar Ice Records. The CD cover artwork was designed by renowned artist Jobert Mello of Sledgehamer Graphix (PRIMAL FEAR, SABATON, HYSTERIA) and can be seen below.
"When Darkness Calls" features a guest appearance by SANXTION drummer Tony Rossi.
REVERENCE will embark on a European tour in November. Exact citites and dates will be announced shortly.
For more information, visit www.ReverenceMetal.com.
"When Darkness Calls" features a guest appearance by SANXTION drummer Tony Rossi.
REVERENCE will embark on a European tour in November. Exact citites and dates will be announced shortly.
For more information, visit www.ReverenceMetal.com.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/reverencecover.jpg
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN frontman Greg Puciato has revealed via Facebook that he will record vocals this week for a track from MIXHELL, the DJ/hip hop/electro project featuring former SEPULTURA drummer Igor Cavalera and his wife, Laima Leyton. Puciato states, "They do really cool shit… [a] hybrid of electronic music and live drumming. That guy is a rhythm animal. It's more in the vein vocally of the ERROR (Atticus and Leo Ross, Brett Gurewitz, myself) EP that we put out years ago, so that'll be fun to record."
In a 2009 interview, Igor was asked if SEPULTURA and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY fans will like MIXHELL, Igor — who plays live drums in MIXHELL while Laima is the DJ — replied, "I don't know. I really enjoy it, because for me it's still very, very extreme. My drumming is very energetic. It just has different grooves to it than what I do with CAVALERA."
When asked how his metal background has affected his work with MIXHELL, Igor replied, "For me, even when I was playing metal, I always tried new things, I was never stuck to one [thing]. It was always, like, very open-minded. Anybody who followed the SEPULTURA years knows that we tried new things; it was not about being stuck in time; it was about moving up, always. So, for me, MIXHELL is a continuation of my career."
Igor Cavalera left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006).
Igor is the second Cavalera to leave SEPULTURA. In 1996, Max Cavalera exited the group after the rest of the band fired Max's wife Gloria as SEPULTURA's manager.
Igor and Max are currently collaborating on a new project called CAVALERA CONSPIRACY. The group's sophomore album, Blunt Force Trauma", came out in March 2011 via Roadrunner Records.
In a 2009 interview, Igor was asked if SEPULTURA and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY fans will like MIXHELL, Igor — who plays live drums in MIXHELL while Laima is the DJ — replied, "I don't know. I really enjoy it, because for me it's still very, very extreme. My drumming is very energetic. It just has different grooves to it than what I do with CAVALERA."
When asked how his metal background has affected his work with MIXHELL, Igor replied, "For me, even when I was playing metal, I always tried new things, I was never stuck to one [thing]. It was always, like, very open-minded. Anybody who followed the SEPULTURA years knows that we tried new things; it was not about being stuck in time; it was about moving up, always. So, for me, MIXHELL is a continuation of my career."
Igor Cavalera left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006).
Igor is the second Cavalera to leave SEPULTURA. In 1996, Max Cavalera exited the group after the rest of the band fired Max's wife Gloria as SEPULTURA's manager.
Igor and Max are currently collaborating on a new project called CAVALERA CONSPIRACY. The group's sophomore album, Blunt Force Trauma", came out in March 2011 via Roadrunner Records.
The first couple of photos of the new lineup of the Florida-based hard rock band NONPOINT can be seen below.
Founding NONPOINT members Elias Soriano (vocals) and Robb Rivera (drums) last year welcomed three new members to the family: Dave Lizzio (guitar), Adam Wolosyzn (bass), and Rasheed Thomas (guitar). All three musicians come from the Chicago-based rock act INN CINEMA.
NONPOINT recently entered Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, MEGADETH) to begin recording its seventh album, due later in the year via the band's new label home, Razor & Tie.
Commented Soriano: "We're proud to officially announce the new members of NONPOINT. Dave Lizzio, Rasheed Thomas and Adam Woloszyn have been chased by bands in the Chicago area for years and somehow by a stroke of luck and timing, we now have three of the freshest, most talented players on our team. These guys are great players and even better people.
"From day one, the new writing process has been full of great ideas and open minds, and now adding Johnny K into the formula has Robb and I very excited. After listening to the demos, Johnny K said, 'It's easy to find someone to play guitar for a band. It's hard to accomplish what you have by finding Dave, Rasheed and Adam, and that's finding people who can write amazing riffs.' From that point on I knew: This new lineup and record will be epic in the chronicle of NONPOINT."
NONPOINT last year parted ways with guitarist Zach Broderick and founding bassist Ken MacMillan.
The band's latest album, "Miracle", sold around 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 60 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Miracle" was released in Europe on June 14, 2010 via Powerage Records. The CD was made available in the U.S. on May 4, 2010 via the band's own 954 Records in partnership with Rocket Science Ventures / RED / Sony.
NONPOINT's current lineup:
Elias Soriano - Vocals
Robb Rivera - Drums
Rasheed Thomas - Guitar
Dave Lizzio - Guitar
Adam Woloszyn – Bass
Founding NONPOINT members Elias Soriano (vocals) and Robb Rivera (drums) last year welcomed three new members to the family: Dave Lizzio (guitar), Adam Wolosyzn (bass), and Rasheed Thomas (guitar). All three musicians come from the Chicago-based rock act INN CINEMA.
NONPOINT recently entered Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, MEGADETH) to begin recording its seventh album, due later in the year via the band's new label home, Razor & Tie.
Commented Soriano: "We're proud to officially announce the new members of NONPOINT. Dave Lizzio, Rasheed Thomas and Adam Woloszyn have been chased by bands in the Chicago area for years and somehow by a stroke of luck and timing, we now have three of the freshest, most talented players on our team. These guys are great players and even better people.
"From day one, the new writing process has been full of great ideas and open minds, and now adding Johnny K into the formula has Robb and I very excited. After listening to the demos, Johnny K said, 'It's easy to find someone to play guitar for a band. It's hard to accomplish what you have by finding Dave, Rasheed and Adam, and that's finding people who can write amazing riffs.' From that point on I knew: This new lineup and record will be epic in the chronicle of NONPOINT."
NONPOINT last year parted ways with guitarist Zach Broderick and founding bassist Ken MacMillan.
The band's latest album, "Miracle", sold around 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 60 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Miracle" was released in Europe on June 14, 2010 via Powerage Records. The CD was made available in the U.S. on May 4, 2010 via the band's own 954 Records in partnership with Rocket Science Ventures / RED / Sony.
NONPOINT's current lineup:
Elias Soriano - Vocals
Robb Rivera - Drums
Rasheed Thomas - Guitar
Dave Lizzio - Guitar
Adam Woloszyn – Bass
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/nonpoint20122.jpg
DEVILDRIVER bassist Aaron "Bubble" Patrick is sitting out the band's Metal Alliance Tour after being diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumonia, an inflammation and swelling of the lung, caused by an infection with the bacteria. Filling in for Patrick is his former BURY YOUR DEAD bandmate Chris Towning.
Aaron's mother, Jane, has released the following update on his condition:
"The Streptococcus pneumonia has damaged Aaron's liver, kidneys and bone marrow. He has been able to cough up a fair amount of infection, but his lungs are still very full. Along with the pneumonia, there have also been a series of side effects that are taking a toll on his body. A horrible case of pancreatitis has developed, which caused his fever to persist. He is still dependent on oxygen and cannot be released until he can breathe sufficiently and the oxygen is not required.
"So now his release date may be pushed back until early next week, March 20? Then he must rest at least a week before getting on a plane, as the lungs cannot take the pressure. I am hoping to get him home on a non-stop flight around the 30th of March. He will have to again rest for weeks. The doctor told me it was touch and go before I got [to the hospital]. We are hopeful for release early next week.
"Prayers, please!"
A photo of Patrick in the hospital can be seen below.
The Metal Alliance Tour — which also features THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED — kicked off this past Thursday, March 15 at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
Patrick joined DEVILDRIVER as the replacement for Jonathan Miller, who quit the band in March 2011, calling it "the most difficult decision of my life" but "something that I needed to do for myself."
DEVILDRIVER recently took part in the European "The Eighth Plague Tour" with MACHINE HEAD, BRING ME THE HORIZON and DARKEST HOUR.
"The Eighth Plague Tour" kicked off on November 1 in Oslo, Norway and wrapped on December 6 in Manchester, England.
"Beast", the fifth album from DEVILDRIVER, sold a little over 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Aaron's mother, Jane, has released the following update on his condition:
"The Streptococcus pneumonia has damaged Aaron's liver, kidneys and bone marrow. He has been able to cough up a fair amount of infection, but his lungs are still very full. Along with the pneumonia, there have also been a series of side effects that are taking a toll on his body. A horrible case of pancreatitis has developed, which caused his fever to persist. He is still dependent on oxygen and cannot be released until he can breathe sufficiently and the oxygen is not required.
"So now his release date may be pushed back until early next week, March 20? Then he must rest at least a week before getting on a plane, as the lungs cannot take the pressure. I am hoping to get him home on a non-stop flight around the 30th of March. He will have to again rest for weeks. The doctor told me it was touch and go before I got [to the hospital]. We are hopeful for release early next week.
"Prayers, please!"
A photo of Patrick in the hospital can be seen below.
The Metal Alliance Tour — which also features THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED — kicked off this past Thursday, March 15 at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
Patrick joined DEVILDRIVER as the replacement for Jonathan Miller, who quit the band in March 2011, calling it "the most difficult decision of my life" but "something that I needed to do for myself."
DEVILDRIVER recently took part in the European "The Eighth Plague Tour" with MACHINE HEAD, BRING ME THE HORIZON and DARKEST HOUR.
"The Eighth Plague Tour" kicked off on November 1 in Oslo, Norway and wrapped on December 6 in Manchester, England.
"Beast", the fifth album from DEVILDRIVER, sold a little over 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Westfield, Massachusetts metallers WITHIN THE RUINS will enter the studio at the end of this month to record their new album, due this summer via Victory Records. The group will record in White Lake, Michigan with producer/engineer Joshua Wickman, who previously worked with WITHIN THE RUINS on 2010's "Invade" CD.
Commented WITHIN THE RUINS guitarist Joe Cocchi: "We have a good amount of new material to finish working with while we're home for the month. Lots of work left, but we're definitely stoked on the music we've come up with so far — this material is unlike anything else we've released. Stay tuned for pre-production and studio videos soon!"
WITHIN THE RUINS will join The Recorruptour on May 3 with WHITECHAPEL, MISS MAY I, AFTER THE BURIAL, and more.
WITHIN THE RUINS' seven-inch EP, "Omen", was released last May via Victory. The effort featured two new songs as well as cover versions of METALLICA's "Fight Fire With Fire" and KANSAS' "Carry On My Wayward Son".
Commented WITHIN THE RUINS guitarist Joe Cocchi: "We have a good amount of new material to finish working with while we're home for the month. Lots of work left, but we're definitely stoked on the music we've come up with so far — this material is unlike anything else we've released. Stay tuned for pre-production and studio videos soon!"
WITHIN THE RUINS will join The Recorruptour on May 3 with WHITECHAPEL, MISS MAY I, AFTER THE BURIAL, and more.
WITHIN THE RUINS' seven-inch EP, "Omen", was released last May via Victory. The effort featured two new songs as well as cover versions of METALLICA's "Fight Fire With Fire" and KANSAS' "Carry On My Wayward Son".
NERVGIFT ("Nerve-Venom" in Swedish), the new Örebro, Sweden-based punk/metal band featuring bassist/guitarist Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER), vocalist Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) and drummer Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD), will enter the studio next weekend to make its first recording. According to the group, "Four songs will be put on tape" during the sessions. The band adds, "We will do a final (and third ever) rehearsal this week to adjust some final details."
NERVGIFT is:
Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER) – Guitar, Bass
Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) - Vocals
Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD) - Drums
NERVGIFT is:
Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER) – Guitar, Bass
Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) - Vocals
Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD) - Drums
Members of Florida's CATALEPSY have formed a new band called EXOTYPE, which combines the elements of metal, hardcore, dubstep and electronica.
According to the group's official bio, EXOTYPE's sound is characterized by "heavily detuned guitars," "pulsing dubstep drops laced with cybernetic synths" and "thought-provoking lyrics and infectious, anthem-like choruses. These unique elements collide in a aural car crash of sorts, leaving the listener with a riveting musical experience that will undoubtedly have them coming back for more."
EXOTYPE is currently working material for its debut album.
The band's debut single, "Synthetics", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
EXOTYPE is:
Josh Anderson - Vocals
Rob Walden - Guitar
Ben Sutton - Drums
Matt Browning - Guitar
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/exotypemusic.
According to the group's official bio, EXOTYPE's sound is characterized by "heavily detuned guitars," "pulsing dubstep drops laced with cybernetic synths" and "thought-provoking lyrics and infectious, anthem-like choruses. These unique elements collide in a aural car crash of sorts, leaving the listener with a riveting musical experience that will undoubtedly have them coming back for more."
EXOTYPE is currently working material for its debut album.
The band's debut single, "Synthetics", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
EXOTYPE is:
Josh Anderson - Vocals
Rob Walden - Guitar
Ben Sutton - Drums
Matt Browning - Guitar
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/exotypemusic.
San Diego extreme metallers CATTLE DECAPITATION will release their new album, "Monolith Of Humanity", on May 8 (one day earlier internationally) via Metal Blade Records. The highly anticipated follow-up to 2009's "The Harvest Floor" was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Dave Otero of Denver's Flatline Audio. According to a press release, "the humans of earth can expect a much more updated production complete with some surprising guest appearances and the kind of musical exploration that gained the band even more fans with 'The Harvest Floor'. Once again CATTLE DECAPITATION gives us more extravagantly intense artwork from artist Wes Benscoter and the CD/LP layout are as over the top as the album's concept itself."
A new CATTLE DECAPITATION song entitled "A Living, Breathing Piece of Defecating Meat" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
CATTLE DECAPITATION will join forces with ORIGIN, DECREPIT BIRTH, ABORTED, RINGS OF SATURN and BATTLECROSS for the "Occupation Domination" U.S. tour in April/May.
A new CATTLE DECAPITATION song entitled "A Living, Breathing Piece of Defecating Meat" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
CATTLE DECAPITATION will join forces with ORIGIN, DECREPIT BIRTH, ABORTED, RINGS OF SATURN and BATTLECROSS for the "Occupation Domination" U.S. tour in April/May.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/cattlemonolith.jpg
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